After orchestrating a 1-1 week, Wisconsin basketball (19-8, 11-5 Big Ten) fell out the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll Monday.
A week removed from being situated at No. 25 in the poll, the Badgers slid out of the hierarchy into the “receiving votes” territory. The Badgers reeled in 35 votes, the most by any team outside the top 25.
The movement arrives after UW fell 86-69 to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Feb. 17 in Columbus. UW rebounded with a 14-tally win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday, but the lack of offensive production against OSU proved to be enough to convince voters to alter Wisconsin’s position.
After a road win over former No. 1 Michigan, the Duke Blue Devils assumed the No. 1 position in the poll. Arizona, Michigan, Houston, Iowa State, UConn, Florida, Purdue, Gonzaga and Nebraska round out the top 10. Other Big Ten squads featured in the coaches poll include Illinois (No. 11) and Michigan State (No. 13).
There’s a change at the top once again in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll following a busy week of high-profile matchups.
Duke is now the No. 1 team.
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— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) February 23, 2026
Wisconsin wraps its 2025-26 campaign with tests against Oregon, Washington, Maryland and No. 8 Purdue. A strong finish could bolster the team’s standing ahead of the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago, but three of the final four bouts are slated in road environments.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll ranking update
